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Reward offered in animal-fighting cases
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
The Humane Society of the United States announced Wednesday that it is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person involved in illegal animal fighting. This latest reward doubles the HSUS's longstanding reward of $2,500.
Attorney General Marc Dann also announced the new animal fighting tips hotline that will allow citizens to report illegal animal fighting and will also help the state steer the appropriate complaints to the right law enforcement agencies.
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The hotline is 1-877-AG4OHIO (877-244-6446). The tip line will be open 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.,Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
Dann said his office decided to do the hotline because of the success of Operation Bite Back, which is a combined effort between state, local and federal agencies to investigate dogfighting operations and to make sure his office is paying attention to the issue of animal fighting and the crimes that come along with it - gambling and drugs.
"Animal fighting is a hideously cruel and violent illegal activity," Dann said. "I am pleased to join The Humane Society of the United States in this national campaign to protect animals and our communities from this inexcusable crime."
Dann also stressed that the state's Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Identification will also be available to local law enforcement to help with investigations upon request.
In October, Dann was honored during the 2007 Humane Law Enforcement Awards for his leadership role in the investigation and raid of a large Ohio dogfighting pit and seven fighting dog kennels in the Dayton and Cincinnati areas, according to the HSUS. The investigation was one of the largest and most successful criminal animal fighting crackdowns in U.S. history.
Dann also recorded a public service announcement, which can be found at hsus.org/animalfightingpsa .
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2414 or kwynn@DaytonDailyNews.com.
